Progesterone shots - on the fence

[curlymomny]

i went into labor at 36 weeks and 4 days with my first pregnancy - 3 days shy of the "safe" 37 week mark. DS did not have any breathing, feeding issues, etc.

He was however very small even for 36 weeks. Just 3lbs and 15 oz. stayed in NICU for a week to ensure growth and body temp and came home healthy.

This time doc suggested progesterone shots. From what I am reading about the shots, they help you make it to 37 weeks and will not help prevent the small size issue we had with DS.

Wondering if the intervention makes sense for me...

Anyone know more about the shots or have thoughts on my situation?

[curlymomny]

Thank you for the stories and info, ladies.

[karleydavis]

My daughter was born at 36 weeks. She was 6lbs 8 oz. but she was jaundice. So I am going to a perinatologist every two weeks to have my cervix checked and I am also getting progesterone shots once a week. Everything is checking out perfectly so far. I have a great piece of mind knowing I am being monitored by two doctors!  I have a friend that did the injections a few years ago due to her second child coming at 34 weeks. She carried full term. Not telling you what to do but I would highly recommend doing the injections. Wishing you all the best with your pregnancy!

[Lovemorgan6]

My last baby I had at almost 30 weeks she was about 3 pounds stayed in hospital for about 6 weeks so to make sure I carry this baby won't come to early I've been getting the shot once a week just got it yesterday I'm now 34weeks and baby is around 5 pounds... Good luck  

[flowers75]

I was getting the injection until last Tuesday I fainted and the doctor stops the injection. I started a round 20 weeks, and have been hospitalized for contraction 3 times. They found out my cervix is 1.79 and put me on bed rest. I guess everyone body reacts to medication differently.

[cdolan2012]

My water broke at 35 weeks with my first son. This time, I have been on the weekly progesterone shots since 16 weeks, have been taking probiotics, and had cervical length checks at 16, 19, and 22 weeks. No one really knows why my water broke so early but I've noticed that this pregnancy had gone a lot more smoothly. I think I was having preterm symptoms I didn't recognize the first time around. I'm 29 weeks now, and so far so good. The shots are expensive but they've provided a great deal of comfort. I've read that when you have a history of preterm birth each birth is likely to be earlier and earlier. So even tho like you, my son was premature but totally fine, it is nice to feel like I'm doing everything I can to prevent any possible complications with this pregnancy. And finally (and I'll shut up, lol), I have a nurse that comes in home through Alere to give the shots to me and she also checks blood pressure and baby's heart beat every week. So, again, very nice to have a weekly "check-in."